Bailey, Pearl Mae

1918 - Born on the 29th of March in Southampton County, Virginia, to Rev. Joseph & Ella Mae Bailey.

1933 - Began as a dancer and won an amateur contest in Philadelphia.

1938 - She won a singing contest at Harlem's Apollo Theatre.

1946 - Starred in the Broadway musical St Louis Woman.

1952 - Married the drummer-bandleader Louis Bellson.

1954 - Appeared in many films, television, and stage shows, including Carmen Jones.

1967-1969 - Hello, Dolly.

1968 - Her autobiography, The Raw Pearl, was published in this year.

1970-1971 - Hosted her own television variety show.

1988 - Awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom on 17th of October.

1990 - Pearl Bailey died on 17th of August due to heart failure.